A key date in the Indian events calendar is January 26th, the day in 1950 when India became a republic. This is marked with a colourful military parade and a showcase of life in the different Indian states.

Meanwhile, celebrated in the middle of March, the spring festival of Holi sees people throwing coloured powder at each other in the streets, as well as other festivities, including live music and bonfires. It’s a great time to visit, but make sure you don’t wear your best clothes.

Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama takes place on April 8th and sees costumed parades around Connaught Place, while other key festivals include Pongal, which lasts four days from January 13th to 16th and celebrates the season’s harvest and the Hindu celebration of Maha Shivaratri, in honour of Shiva, the Destroyer, which takes place in February or March.